star point breaking down and alternator needed

[Karl TVR]

Hi Guys,

having a few electrical problems (with my 2.9ltr S2 G reg) at a min and my mechanic friend says its something called a star point thats slowly breaking down (others probably call it different things)just wanted t know if the points circled in this pic are just behind the fuse box in the passenger footwell?



Also im looking for a recon alternator (as this is knackered too)and wondered if anyone is selling one or if anyone has seen one on ebay?

many thanks

karl

[pringli]

Karl, as this is a schematic diagram it just shows common feeds in this manner. I am pretty sure this is actually the fuse box itself and therefore just the common +ve feed to the fuses. As for the alternator 9 times out of ten it is the diode pack and can be changed by auto electricians quite cheaply, you could of course be the unlucky 1. What symptoms is the car suffering from as there are lots of common electrical problems on S2s?

[Karl TVR]

Hi pringli,

The car has had a few electrical problems lately which started with the main headlights going. This was sorted then my heating system was blowing cold and the car started overheating, again this was sorted relatively quickly and easily by my mechanic.

The new problems are that its failed to start a couple of times (battery was replaced last year) but if I leave it a few hours she fires back up no problem without being jump started and the volt meter is going nuts! It will sit happily in the middle of the gauge then for no reason jump up to 15+ volts when the rpm is over 800rpm. Finally my blowers have stopped working all together.

Karl

[pringli]

+15v will be the diode pack - I use AV AUTOPARTS in Newcastle for quick turnaround - diagnosis and repair. The heater blower could be one of several causes: power feed - switch - blower motor, the trouble is to get to the blower you have to take out the dash (or at least unfasten and move forward in order to get access). The motor can seize/stick due to dampness or can be the brushes, if not the rotary switch then you will need to test for power at the switch then the connections at the motor. It isnt hard to move(or remove) the dash just a bit fiddly and time consuming as you need to do a bit of labelling so if you are concerned about cost it is a job you could do yourself. The alternator is easy enough to remove in order to have it checked and repaired. Where in the northwest are you?

ETA - In retrospect I think it may be a good idea to have the alternator output checked 'on the car' as you could be suffering from a corroded/loose earth problem causing several issues. When it doesnt start have you checked for spark/fuel etc.?

Edited by pringli on Sunday 15th January 10:47

Edited by pringli on Sunday 15th January 10:59